"Whatever."  Charlie chuckled, raising the bottle and taking another drink, spilling over the mouth of the bottle as she sets it back down.  "You, Geoff...bein' th'skilled type...you'll be findin' a new ship, I think.  Your not t'be grounded.  I mean...Cap'n has gotta own me, y'know?  Years'f service, an' severance fee.  I'll be collectin', an'then I'll get a ride.  I'll...go back t'Paquin.  Wake up'n the sun, walk without shoes on, getta move around'n go swimmin' every day...who knows what ah'll do.  Somethin' just...nice, n'relaxed."

Charlie sighed, leaning her head back as she thought about the last time they were on Paquin.  The feeling of swimming in the middle of the day...staring at clouds in the sky...being in Rhaef's arms, if only for a moment.  She took a slow breath, holding up the bottle and swirling the liquid, looking at how much she had left.  "Ren'n Acacia'll get professional jobs, th'right an'proper like...Kyoko'll find a new ship...everyone'll make amends.  The cap'n...well, ah'm not sure.  He'd maybe have th'likes t'find a new boat, perhaps..."

Geoff looked up at the roof of the truck and shrugged as he took another swallow fromt he bottle. "Yeah....I'm s'posin' yer right, Charlie. Everybody would do somethin'. Everybody has got somethin'...after all. Somethin' ta fall back on.", he said in a soft tone,"I guess...I guess I'd find 'nother ship. Do more dirty work....fer fellas don't care a lick 'bout me, one way or 'nother. Just drift and drift and drift from one place to the next....'til I die. 'Til I get shot or stabbed or killed in some other way. Keep on goin' 'til somethin' stops me. Isn't that always the way..."

He then shook his head as he drank the last of the liqour and tossed the empty bottle away. "...I don't wanna go out like that. All the rest o' ya can go on ta nice lives...but I gotta die alone and bleedin' somewhere with people who don't give a damn 'bout me? Naw. I don't wanna go out like that.", he said in a low tone,".....I wanna get back on Destiny. Even if I gotta...I gotta kill some people, I'm gonna get back on Destiny... Ya ruttin' hear me, Charlie? Gonna get back on that boat. It's the gorram least the damn 'verse can give me after it done took everythin'...everythin' else..." He shook his head again and got another bottle to drink. The liqour was loosening his tongue and making him talk about things he would be embarrassed to talk about normally, but he was too far gone to care about that. He just wanted to drink.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:49, Fri 31 Mar 2006.

Charlie felt tears welling up as he talked about being back at Destiny, at the cost of anything.  She wiped at her eyes with the back of a hand, chasing the feelings with the rest of the bottle.  She finally finishes it, setting the bottle next to the other empty ones she has lined up next to her.  "Listen, Geoff...y'know, the Cap'n has never let m'down.  Never has, an' I'm sure for one thin' that he's never gonna.  I can tell ya, if gettin' that ship back's possible, ya'd better believe that it'd be happenin'.  He's never let m'down, an'I am sure he ain't gonna now."

She got up on her knees, keeping her arms on the edge of the truck to keep herself steady...which doesn't really work out so well, and she loses her balance, falling back onto the ground.  While most would worry, it just lets out a chorus of giggles, which causes her to cover her mouth quickly.  Standing, as it would seem, isn't quite the option it seemed a moment ago.  Maybe it was better just to stay on the ground.  "How'm I set out fer life in th'black.  I can't even stand, y'know?"

Geoff nodded to Charlie's words about the captain not letting her down. "Yeah, I jus' bet he never letcha down. Been on...lotta crews and seen...seen lotta captains, but he's one o' the first...first I'd seen gives a damn 'bout anythin' beyond profit. It's nice ta see. Nice. Real nice.", he said and smiled to himself,"Yeah. He'll get Destiny back an'...an' things'll move. 'Verse will go on...and...things'll get good.....eventually."

Geoff then laughed outright when Charlie fell down and started giggling. "Heh...way I see it, standin' ain't a huge ruttin' deal in the black. Standin'. Who...who ruttin' needs it? Legs are all....funny lookin' anyway. Not yer legs,, mind ya, just...in general. Look weird. All....dangly and such. Yeah, that's right.", he said and laughed again,"Pffft. Legs and standin' both...wastes o' time. Much rather sit or lay down. Things're better layin' down and sittin'. Lotsa interestin' things ta do from those positions. Screw standin'! We'll...we'll boycott it! Yeah...wit' protestin' and signs....yeah. I like signs."

"Yeah, a boycott'f standin'.  How'm I supposed t'be gettin' a new bottle, though.  You're forgettin' about that."  Charlie rolled over, grabbing the edge of the truck and pulling herself up, being at some sort of eye level with Geoff.  "'Sides, you can do all sortsa stuff when you're standin' up.  I dunno, like...well...reachin' things that're high up.  Or goin' up stairs without bruisin' up yer legs, y'know?"  She reaches out, managing to get another bottle in her hand.  She slid back down onto the ground, leaning back against the truck again as she opened the top.

"So...y'think...y'know..."  She let out a sigh, looking into the liquid in the bottle.  "Can I tell y'somethin, Geoff?  Yeah, I can...meanin', y'know, you'd let me...I dunno, talk.  I gotta get it outta me, 'for I just die, y'know?"

Geoff merely chuckled. "Well, there'd be....ya know...machines ta get yer drinks fer ya. Yeah. Like...with...wires and such. It'd be highly technological. All advanced. That's how things would be workin' in the standin' free places. Yeah.", he said and then shrugged,"But, yer right. 'Til we get 'round ta makin' those machines, gotta put up with the standin'. One o' these days though..." He laughed a bit then and then sighed as he took another drink.

He looked over the edge of the truck to look down at Charlie and nodded. "Sure...sure 'nuff, Charlie. Tell me whatever...whatever ya want. Tha's what I'm here fer. I can listen like a pro...a pro who...listens. Yeah. So ya can talk all ya want and I'll listen.", he said and then looked to her curiously,"So....what's on yer mind, Charlie?"

Charlie smiled widely when Geoff asked what was on her mind.  "Tha's just th'way the Cap'n says it."  She took a drink from the bottle, sighing a bit.  "I wrote a bunch'f letters, y'know?  I mean...th'first few months that ah'd been on Destiny...I got cut out'n a job by...ah dun'remember his name, but the wound, y'know...kinda bad.  Don' ask what happened, just...it was kinda nasty, y'know?  Gotta scar'n everything.  Lotta blood...'fore we had Acacia on th'ship, not a whole lotta doctorin 'til we got t'a planet."  Charlie took another pull from the bottle, swallowing the liqour hard.

"I figured, y'know...none'f us are gonna die'f old age.  Everyone on th'boat, we're gonna end up gettin' shot 'r sucked inta space, or whatever.  I should be th'glad one, never gonna hafta go gray'r nothin'.  Doesn't matter."  She shook her head, motioning with the bottle.  "I've got a trunk'n th'engine room, an'it's full'f letters.  Every couple months'r so, I write new ones...one t'everyone, so if'n somethin' happens, y'know...I'll get a chance t'say what I needed t'say, jus'n case somethin' happens t'me.  I always thought, y'know...I was gonna get a chance t'say goodbye, if even in that kinda way.  It's a bit disconnected, ah'm sure...but it kept me thinkin' that there would be some sorta...y'know...closure for whoever ah'd leave behind.  Now I'm, y'know...now Lei, 'n Wei-Lei...'n Rhaef...they're gone, an' that's that..."

Geoff drank slowly as he listened to Charlie speak of letters and closure. Geof thought that the letters were probably a good idea. He might have to do that. Well, if he had anybody who would give a damn, he might. As it stood, he didn't have anybody who would care one way or another if he died and nobody to leave letters behind to. Charlie, on the other hand, would have people who would want to read those letters and know what her last words to them would have been. Geoff smiled wistfully at that. Must be nice to have somebody to care enough about you to even want closure.

Geoff looked to Charlie and shrugged. "Letters, eh? Letters ta the people who care. It's a good sentiment, Charlie. Ta be able ta say goodbye an'...an' all.", he said in a soft tone,"But...guessin' the 'verse don't always work that way. Don't...don't want everybody ta have goodbyes. But...tha's life, right? Yeah. Tha's...life. Things...things and people...they go 'way without warnin'. People die. It...it shouldn't be a big deal. But it is. Lei. Wei-li. Rhaef. I only knew 'em fer a little bit....but I wish I coulda said goodbye to 'em. I wish...I wish I had been able ta say goodbye, at least. Heh. Actually, I wish I didn't hafta say goodbye at all. Had to say that...too many times in my life. Goodbye. But I guess that's life too. In the end, though, least they had people that cared if they lived or died. That's somethin', at least. Better than some get." He sighed heavily then and went back to drinking.

"Well...I'll be honest, y'know, I only knew Wei-Li an' Lei for...well, y'know, not very long at all.  Rhaef, though...y'know...I've been crew with him since Kale first got th'ship.  Now it's just me'n Kale, left from th'original.  It's just kinda...bit'sa strange t'think about.  I remember when we'd all gotten'n board th'first time.  I remember gettin' m'bunk, puttin' m'stuff in th'first time...ah'm just thinkin' about all th'memories I've got'f him."  Charlie pulled up her knees, resting her head on them, setting the bottle back on the ground.

"I'm guessin'...it's just...ah, I'm jus'drunk.  Y'should stop listenin' to me.  Here I'm just heartbroken'n sobbin' my life out, an'tomorrow, we're gonna get back on Destiny like none'f it ever happened.  We'll all know it happened, but we're not gonna think 'bout it.  Hey, not even t'talk about it."  She let out a sigh, running her thumb over her eyes, getting the tears out of the corner.  "Surely...'cept ah'll be nursin' a headache tomorrow, an' whatever.  Ah dunno what ah'm even sayin' anymore..."

A waltz started up in the ballroom of the yacht and soon Kyoko and Kale were twirling about the floor with all the others.  Kyoko graceful as a swan, Kale ... well, he was trying.  Nadia didn't seem to mind at all however, even when he stepped on her foot.

Mr. Caddigan, had been being his usual terse self, although slightly less so due to the fact that Kyoko was such an esteemed guest.

"So, Bently, what would it take for me to ask a favor of you to greet Captain Galway with some amount of favortism? I have it on good authority that he was tricked into buy The Sparkler from the owners he thought was legitamate. And before you make a response of the buyer beware, know that it was good enough to pass my staff's intial enquires." Kyoko asks quietly as she lets him lead, her body language and poise that of a woman perfectly at ease. "He's rough, and you are right no gentleman, but an honorable business man and I can assure you he keeps his word once given."

Mr. Caddigan's frown lines deepen, "You shouldn't discuss business while dancing Lady Monroe ... it is most unbecoming." he responds.  "I find it odd to see a lady of your stature here with a ship captain - a captain of a stolen vessel like The Sparkler no less.  First of all because he is a theif ... although I will take into consideration what he have said.  Second of all, The Sparkler is an utter piece of fei wu.  It was Nadia who bid me buy it ... odd tastes that girl ..." Brently loved his daughters dearly but he could not even pretend to understand them.  He honestly had no idea how he had ended up purchasing The Sparkler.  One moment he was disdainfully mentioning the vulgarity of the older ships ... the next Nadia was telling him what a fine idea it was to purchase The Sparkler ... odd girl.

Mr. Caddigan arched a brow then, "I am assuming you wish be to drop the charges on the man ... your motives are transparent, my dear." he said, "However, I wouldn't dream of it, Nadia was far too upset when it was stolen."

"The Captain didn't take it, I can tell you what he was doing when it was stolen, and I'm asking nicely Brently, not discussing business, merely asking a favor from a freind of the family. I confess to being attached to the ship myself, it's.. special and I know that you can defintely do better. Name your price or what sort of ship you think Nadia would like.. I'll secure it for you." Kyoko says calmly.

"Careful, I can stand a step on my foot, not a rip in my dress, you keep treading on the bottom." Nadia said, her voice was serene though and held only amusement, "Not that it much matters I suppose.  My father was horrified but I had him purchase it from a department store.  Silly man wanted one made special."

The two of them continued dancing and making small talk.  Nadia found this new man to be of exceptional company - by far the most interesting person to ever grace a party such as this.  "So tell me, Mr. Galway, whatever brings a man like to you to an engagement like this?  It hardly seems appropriate."

Kale looked down at the woman, her sharp wit and personality had made her far more beautiful in his eyes.  It came as no surprise when she asked him candidly what he was doing here, "Eh, I look that outta place, huh?" he said with a grin, then paused for a moment before deciding it was best for him to be up front and honest with this woman.  "Honest, I'm here to try an' get in your good favor.  Ya see you have somethin' 'o mine ... or I s'pose it's yours, or more precisely yer fathers ... but its also mine ... what I mean ta say is I lost my ship yesterday, real beauty too.  Destiny ... The Sparkler as you know her.  I came ta see if I could get her back.  Have the charges dropped against me." he looked right into Nadia's eyes.  "I didn't steal her Miss Caddigan.  I was swindled ... bought the 'ol girl after she was already stolen from yer father.  Bought her with everything I had.  Destiny ... well, she means everything ta me, I'd do anything ta get her back." Kale watched Nadia closely, he had just laid it all out on the line ... now he could only wait for her reaction.

Mr. Caddigan laughed, "You want to buy that ship from me?" he said, and laughed again, "Well, that has got to be the best thing I've heard all night.  Whatever could you want with a ship such as that?  You could afford the very best Lady Monroe, I assure that is not The Sparkler.  Besides, Nadia was very particular about getting that ship, and I cant' even pretend to know what sort of other ship she would like ..."

Nadia literally stopped dancing.  The two of them were just standing in the middle of the crowded dance floor while other couples floated around them, much like the floating candles.  Nadia didn't even give the odd looks she was recieving a second thought as she looked at Kale.  Her gaze was steady and even, the amusement gone from her eyes to be replaced with something else ... something a bit sad and distant.

"I envy you, Mr. Galway." she said, slowly.  Not at all with the ease of their earlier conversation.  "I've never cared for anything the way you care about that ship.  I fear I have not the capacity for it." she held his gaze for a moment longer and then grabbed his arm once more, a gay smile filling her face.

"Listen to me speaking rubbish." she chortled, "I hardly ever say what I mean, or mean what I say." she said, but for a moment that look in her eyes still lingered. "The Sparkler, is in fact my ship, hidious name isn't it?  I thought it worked quite nicely.  You say it's your ship?  Heaven knows I should probably take your word for it, I am after all only a woman, what would I know of such matters?  And honestly what will I ever do with a ship?" she laughed.  "I'll speak to father."

"Brently, do you know why I want that ship in Captain Galway's hands? Not because he lets me lease a shuttle while I do the job I was tasked to do by the Companion's guild or subtly investigating company managers for my father's company. He loves that ship and I wish someone who truly loves it.. like my mother and father did, to run it." Kyoko smiles as she leans in close and whispers to him. "It was where my mother and father met, fell in love and had me."

She steps back and lets him spin her as she smiles most graciously.

Kale was not even entirely sure what had just happened.  But something had passed between him and Nadia ... something inexplicable ... something that he did not - could not comprehend.  There was a moment of complete understanding, just a moment, when the world literally stopped - or at least their world.  Now it was moving again but it was not the same world, some small piece, too small to even be percieved, but there none the less had changed, and would remain changed forever.

Kale had been there with Nadia in the moment, but now it was gone and as they gaily twirled about the floor again he smiled, and acted the way he usually did.  "It certainly is a right hideous name." he nodded, and "Well, I'm sure woman are far more capable then anyone gives them credit, more capable then a man that's fer sure, and especially a woman like yerself" and a small wink, "You know exactly what you'd do with a ship I have no doubts that you ever lack any plan."

Then she said that she'd speak with her father and Kale nodded, "I thank you." he said, and the music came to an end.  They held each other gaze again and then Nadia began leading him off back to where her father and Kyoko were.

Mr. Caddigan stopped dancing for a moment, pulling back, a stunned and touched expression on his face at the mention of elder Monroes.   He simply looked at Kyoko and smiled before moving again.

"My dear child... " he said softly as he danced.  He could not understand why she would speak on behalf of such a man, and now he understood.  It was not him-- it wasn't even really the ship-- but her parents.

Who was he to deny a child's memory.. unless it denied his own dear Nadia's...

He sighed.  "I will see what I can do-- but it is for Nadia to decide...

As the music ended he paused breaking away from Lady Monroe and applauding the performers.  Then he offered Kyoko his arm to walk her back to where his daughters were waiting.

"Fair enough Brently, all I ask is if she is willing, that you deal fairly with the Captain. I know you are a shrewd businessman, and a loving father, perhaps we can find a way for both to prosper." Kyoko says giving his arm a gentle squeeze.

Nadia led Kale towards her father as gracefully as ever.  What Nadia had seen in Kale's eyes when he had spoken about the ship was love, real love.  Love like she had never known and perhaps never would.  But she would not be the one to deny someone who could love so greatly.

"Father!  Well, that was perfectly lovely was it not?" she said, "I find Mr. Galways to be quite the remarkable man, I do say you should rethink your first impression ... although I dare say you already have.  Yes, that's right, I can tell right now.  You really do like Mr. Galway!  Very wise, Father, I always knew you were the best judge of character1" she cooed, in this way she had always manipulated her father.  "I have something of hte utmost importance to discuss with you now, Father, so pray listen closely.  Mr. Galway has -"

She was cut off then buy a loud crash.

Shrill screams filled the immaculate ballroom as men in dark clothing and masks flooded onto the yacht.  It seemed inconceivable but soon the frightened rich, famous and powerful were all herded into the center of the room eyeing the well-armed men fearfully.

"Now we can do this the easy way ... or the hard way..." said one man, "An' I prefer the hard way, so play nice."

Looking around the parking lot Rhaef could still make out Larry watching the yacht and not the car.  The radio remained silent and everything seemed in order.

As Wei-Li went to get Lei, Rhaef adjusted the ear piece, nothing as yet, which he could decide if it was a good thing or not. He checked his guns, and popped the trunk, and found a blade. He removed, stuck it his boot, and then picked up Larry's unconscious stooge, and dumped in the truck. He closed the trunk, and stole along the side of the car, slicing two tires on each car.

He turned back to Wei-Li, and waited for her to spring Lei. Right now the child needed to see a friendly face, and in all likelihood, that was not him.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Fri 31 Mar 2006.